Councillor Robert Kirwan Biography

Robert Kirwan is a lifelong resident of Greater Sudbury. He is the oldest child of Thomas and the late Audrey Kirwan. Thomas enjoyed a career with INCO, mainly in management at the Iron Ore Recovery Plant in Copper Cliff. Robert’s four brothers and sisters (Frank, Carol, Wayne and Janet) all live in the Sudbury area. He spent the first five years of his life in Coniston before moving to Lively at the age of 5.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Math and Economics from Laurentian University in 1972. He obtained an Elementary Teaching Diploma from North Bay Teachers’ College in 1973 and completed his post-secondary education with a Master’s Degree in Education in 1985 from Central Michigan University. He still carries the designation of an Ontario Certified Teacher.

Robert met his wife, Valerie (Starcevic) in 1968. She grew up in Creighton Mine. They were married in 1972, moved to Valley East in 1974, and have lived in the same house ever since. Bob and Val raised three sons who all graduated from Laurentian University with degrees from the School of Commerce. Ryan is an independent mortgage broker in Sudbury; Warren is a school teacher in Barrie with the Simcoe District School Board; and Marty is a police officer with the Peel Regional Police Department. The Kirwans have seven grandchildren.

Robert had a successful 28-year career as a teacher with the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, including nine years as President of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association, Sudbury Elementary Unit. He has been an independent business consultant since 1985. He provides education-based business development services to the private and public sectors. He completed a four-year term as an elected Trustee with the Rainbow District School Board from 2010 to 2014.

Robert has also hosted his own live talk radio show, The Learning Clinic, on CKLU 96.5FM from Laurentian University.

Robert Kirwan feels that his most important role as a City Councillor is to represent the collective interests of the people living in Ward 5. In order to fulfill this responsibility, Kirwan states that it is important for him to continue to work with as wide a range of groups and organizations in Ward 5 as possible so that he has a better understanding of the needs of all residents in order to be their voice on City Council. He is committed to representing every man, woman and child living in Ward 5 and to advocate on their behalf.

At the same time, Kirwan believes that what is in the best interests of Ward 5 must also be consistent with what is in the best interests of the entire City of Greater Sudbury. Kirwan describes himself as a pragmatist who takes a practical approach to problem-solving and is primarily concerned with the success or failure of his actions. He feels that many of the challenges facing the City of Greater Sudbury can be resolved with a willingness of Councillors to incorporate new and innovative ideas to develop business plans that are designed to help the City of Greater Sudbury become a growing, world-class community bringing talent, technology and a great northern lifestyle to all residents.